The Hyde County Education Foundation, in partnership with Ocracoke Child Care Inc., has taken control of the child care center on Old Beach Road to address housing needs on Ocracoke Island. The center will be converted into teacher housing and is currently closed due to a lack of teachers. The board of directors agreed to lease the center to overcome a financial crisis. Director DeAnna Locke announced the closure, hoping it will be temporary and reopen soon.
Ocracoke Child Care earned five stars, the highest rating, for the first time after its recent state licensing inspection by the North Carolina Division of Child. The center may also participate in the subsidized program. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson stated that a Greensboro day care owned by his wife never had any bad reports from the center.
The closure of Ocracoke School was due to Hurricane Dorian, which severely damaged nearly 200 students and staff. The building that was formerly the island’s childcare center will alleviate some of this shortage. The foundation envisions converting the former childcare center into six separate buildings. Cleaning up, tearing down, and elevating buildings is continuing on Ocracoke Island in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Some businesses in the first category have simply closed, while others have been relocated to other locations. The Hyde County Education Foundation is working to find alternative locations for Ocracoke School, which has been closed since the hurricane.
📹 Ocracoke – The Secret Island in the Outer Banks NC
Some friends of mine have been going to this secret island in the Outer Banks NC every year for a very long time. The Outer …
What are people from Ocracoke called?
Chester Lynn, an O’cocker native, is a key figure in the study of the Ocracoke Island dialect, which is considered a “dialect heaven” by sociolinguist Walt Wolfram. The dialect, which may sound similar to other Outer Banks dialects, has unique features. Wolfram’s research began 20 years ago and has led to a comprehensive understanding of the history and evolution of Ocracoke’s brogue. For more information on vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, Wolfram recommends the book Hoi Toide on the Outer Banks: The Story of the Ocracoke Brogue (UNC Press) and the middle-school lesson plans developed by NC State faculty members Jeffrey Reaser and Walt Wolfram.
What island is abandoned in the Outer Banks?
Portsmouth Island, established in 1753, was one of the largest settlements along the Outer Banks. However, changing shipping routes, Civil War, and a lagging economy led to many people leaving and never returning. The village fell under the care of the National Park Service and the Friends of Portsmouth Island. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, many buildings have been restored, offering visitors a glimpse into old island life. The Visitor Center features exhibits on the island’s history, and visitors are encouraged to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Does anyone live on Ocracoke Island?
The town of Ocracoke, with a population of less than 1, 000 year-round residents, experiences a notable increase in visitors during the summer months. The Hatteras ferry operates with a journey time of 60 minutes, while the Cedar Island and Sawn Quarter ferries have a journey time of 2. 5 to 2 hours. The journey takes approximately five hours.
Why is Ocracoke famous?
Ocracoke Harbor, a prominent commercial center since the 1700s, was a favored destination for Blackbeard the Pirate, who utilized it as a base for the looting of merchant vessels. He met his demise in the vicinity of the harbor, thereby underscoring the island’s profound historical and commercial legacy.
Is Blackbeard buried on Ocracoke Island?
Ocracoke Inlet was Blackbeard’s hideout, where Virginia governor Alexander Spotswood found and killed him in a battle on November 22, 1718. His headless body is believed to be buried in a mass grave. Today, visitors can enjoy Ocracoke’s charming village and pristine beaches, including the “Best Beach in America” beach by Dr. Beach. Dining options include Back Porch Restaurant, Howard’s Pub and Raw Bar, and 1718 Brewing Ocracoke. For a historic experience, guests can stay overnight at Blackbeard’s Lodge.
Who owns Ocracoke Island?
Ocracoke Island, part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is primarily owned by the United States National Park Service and is the most isolated part of the Outer Banks. Accessible only by ferry, airplane, or private boat, it offers sixteen miles of pristine beaches, numerous recreational opportunities, and a variety of shopping and dining establishments. The island’s name, Wokokon or Wocokon, reflects its Native American connection, with its first residents being members of the pre-Columbian Wocon tribe. The spellings ‘Okok’ and ‘Ocrcok’ evolved into the present-day “Ocracoke”.
What language do they speak in Ocracoke?
The Ocracoke Brogue, also known as “Hoi Toider”, is a dialect of American English spoken on remote islands in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Originating from Irish and Scottish colonists, the dialect has evolved over centuries due to the area’s isolation. Despite being mistaken for British or Australian, Ocracoke Brogue is as American as it gets. A small number of Ocracoke Island residents still speak the dialect, but as they have married mainlanders and their children haven’t been raised speaking the dialect, it is facing extinction.
Walt Wolfram, a linguistics professor at N. C. State University, estimates that the dialect will disappear completely within the next 50 years. The final resting place of four Royal Navy sailors who were killed in a German U-boat attack off the British Commonwealth’s shores is located on a small plot of land leased in perpetuity to the British Commonwealth.
How many kids go to Ocracoke School?
Ocracoke School, a public educational institution located in Ocracoke, North Carolina, has an enrollment of 158 students across grades PK and K-12. The student-teacher ratio is 8 to 1.
What happened at Ocracoke?
Ocracoke Island, inhabited by local Native Americans since the 16th century, has a rich history. The island first appeared on a European map in 1585 and was later colonized by Portsmouth Island in 1753. The US Census reports that Ocracoke Village is home to around 165 people, including 31 slaves.
The first Ocracoke Island Lighthouse was built on Shell Castle rock in 1798 but was later destroyed by lightning in 1818. The current lighthouse is located at the edge of Silver Lake Harbor. Fort Ocracoke, a Confederate fort, was abandoned and destroyed during World War II. The village was also the site of the construction of the British Cemetery to bury the remains of four sailors aboard the HMS Bedforshire.
Ferry service to Ocracoke Island began in the 1940s from Hatteras Island, thanks to local entrepreneurs who run a privately owned vessel. Roads throughout Ocracoke Village were paved in the 1950s, and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore was established in 1953. North Carolina built a paved road, NC Highway 12, which runs the length of the island. In 1957, a privately-owned ferry was purchased to connect Ocracoke Island with Cedar Island.
In the 1970s, the last two residents of Portsmouth Island left the village, becoming an isolated tourist destination managed by the National Park Service. A water system was installed in 1977, and in 1998, remnants of Fort Ocracoke were discovered. The Springer’s Point Nature Preserve opened to the public in 2002 and an additional 91 acres were added in 2006. Ocracoke’s Lifeguarded Beach was named “America’s Best Beach” by Dr. Stephen Leatherman in 2007.
Where do kids on Ocracoke go to school?
Ocracoke School is a public school in Ocracoke, NC, serving PK-12 students. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school has a diverse student population, with a majority of students scoring above proficient levels in math and reading. The school has a minority student enrollment of 53, with 47 female students and 53 male students. It also enrolls 16 economically disadvantaged students. The school has 21 equivalent full-time teachers and 1 full-time school counselor.
The data for the student and teacher counts and percentages are sourced from state education agencies to the federal government. Native Hawaiian, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander students are not included in the breakdown.
How old is Ocracoke?
In 1585, seven English ships arrived off Ocracoke Inlet, led by Sir Richard Grenville, with 300 troops. Grenville’s mission was to establish a permanent English base in the New World, but the fate of the first colonists was unknown. The Banks welcomed Grenville, leaving his flagship, Tiger, aground on the bar. He and Ralph Lane took advantage of the delay to explore north and west in smaller vessels. When the ship was repaired, Grenville headed to Roanoke, leaving the island deserted once again.
The name Woccocon, initially applied to the island, is thought to be derived from the neighboring Indian tribe, the Woccons. However, its exact derivation and subsequent degeneration through variations to the present Ocracoke are unclear, as spelling was low priority during that time.
📹 THE OCRACOKE BROGUE (1997 – full movie)
THE OCRACOKE BROGUE (1997 – full movie) Island Life and Language – Ocracoke Island is one of the most remote destinations …
In early March of this year under the advice of a good car guy, friend, I attended the OBX rod and custom festival in nags head. Well, needless to say Ocean City was my favourite place up until I drove into NH …. I NEEDED the peace NH offered … I actually went swimming in the ocean minutes after sunrise … to tell him it was one of the most therapeutic things I’ve ever done would be a major understatement…. After a six year hiatus of not going to Myrtle Beach, my wife wanted to go back down. We just got back on Monday and let me tell you all I had on my mind was OBX. Sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar, and an excellent narrator. Please do us all a favor. If you wish to do the same type of narration on the rest of the area we would be so greatly appreciative. Keep up the great work Alan Ottawa Ontario CANADA 🇨🇦
I have been here. I was stationed at Ft. Bragg, between 1973-76, and had just bought a Huffy 10 speed. I took a two week leave and pedaled out to Morehead City (I think), then a ferry to the island. Met some wonderful people camped near me, and had a much needed and peaceful vacation leave time away from the rigors of training at Ft. Bragg. I currently live in my home state of Oregon. Great memory!
Tremendous article, well shot, edited and narrated. My wife and I, and our sons have been to the Outer Banks several times but have yet to go to this amazing island. I would move to Ocracoke tomorrow if my family was on board, but only a vacation there is going to happen. I agree, Ocracoke like my ’05 Jeep TJ Rocky Mtn isn’t for everyone. I love that Ocracoke doesn’t have crowds, has a leisurely pace and is perfect for how I like life. I lived on the Maine coast and the welcome sign reads, Maine the way life should be. I agree with that from Memorial to Labor Day. A little older now and much prefer late spring, summer and early fall. Looking forward to beach wheelin, surf fishing and beach camping with the family in Ocracoke this summer. 🏖🏝😎🌊🐟🎣🐠
Mike, thank you so much for posting this!!! My son actually owns (and built) that huge black military truck you captured and my family had the next 3 vehicles in line. We always have the BEST time in Ocracoke! It was such a surprise to happen upon your article. You did a GREAT job capturing the island. 😍
Looks like you took the hour-long ferry from Hatteras Island. There are 2 more on that depart/arrive on the south side of the island (in town). One to Cedar Island and One to Swan Quarter. 2.5 hours and both are relaxing. You might even see an incredible sunset if you take the late ferry from Cedar Island. In the last few years they started up the high-speed passenger ferry service. To and from Hatteras Island, Cedar Island and Swan Quarter. I guess you could call a lot of this a ‘local’ secret.
Ocracoke is experiencing heavy washouts right now. the ferry is closed, NC12 is becoming impassible. When i First started fishing the coast 3 years ago. I remember going to ramp 27 in Hatteras and having at least 150 feet of beach to walk across. now the waves hit the dunes at high tide. I’m glad I got to experience the original OBX before the main bridge got finished over Oregon inlet. Just natural habits of barrier islands. I pray for those who had homes out there. but the new development is just insane. id never build on the island itself. maybe the sound side. Ocracoke is a magical place for fishermen and fisherwoman alike. its solitude from the average beach experience and im glad its been that way. the locals even have their own accent
Hush. Ocracoke is terrible. No one should ever go there. Nothing to do. People are mean. Beaches ugly. Stay away. Every time I have ever been there, every year since 2000, dreadful experience. Also, he failed to mention Springers Point, the Pony Pens, Smack’Nallys, the charter boats, the Parasailing, Portsmouth, Howard Street, Deepwater Theater, Books to be Red, Flying Melon. Awful, every one of them. My wife is dragging me back there on Friday. Maybe I will survive.
I grew up there when i was young lol. Loved it and people don’t understand the island. My dad is the capt who charters a yacht and does the Black Beard stuff. I go back on vacations . People don’t understand how beautiful it really is. But then again not sure id want it like some huge tourism site. Wish it hadnt changed is the ways it has.
Some of the most vicious horseflies there that are determined (and successful) to bite you and seem immuned to “Deepwoods off.” One of the locals from “Bath” NC arrived with his wife and the bugs were so bad that his wife had him abandon their campsite after arrival, catch the ferry and return to Bath because his wife couldn’t stand the bugs.
Thing is ….NC has some beautiful places, but it’s sort of like tourism in Nazi General. Grops like Amnestty International has call NC a pseudo democracy, like a people’s repyublic. I don’t want to give money or support to fascist and insurgents, so I boycott, and urge other to boycott, this unfortunate place.
I love what your website does. I am an Aussie from the southern island of Tasmania and I am only just learning to be proud of the way we speak. For years we have been made a joke of, especially people like me who come from old families who came as convicts, or settlers and intermarried with the native population. We have been seen in a poor light. But things are changing. I will try not to kill our accent. It has already changed so much! I noticed that these folks say their I in almost the same way we do! Hooray for island life. Keep up the great work guys! 🛶⛵🛥️🛶
My grandfathers family was from close to outer banks area but quite a few miles south and on the mainland. Their brogue was known to my family as HIGH TIDE ( pronounced more like HY TYDE ) Also I heard it referred to as the ” Tarheel landing talk “. When I did ancestry on that side of my great grandmother and my great grandfather whom I knew well and heard them talk often, it was Scottish and English mostly! I loved to hear my grandfather and his family speak. I can’t still hear it all in my head today. ❤
I was actually in that area I think last year, and the people there were just as nice as can be. I appreciate that, because there were a lot of tourists there, and if I had to be around tourists all the time, I’d be a very grouchy person. If y’all ever get a chance to visit this area and these people, please do.
My parents moved me around seems like every time the rent was due. I lived in Nags Head for awhile when I finally got out on my own. The outer banks are the only place I’ve ever felt at home. When things go bad for people and they think of “going home”. That’s something I never had, I’ve always had a house. But I’ve never had a home. I’ll move back permanently one day, the outer banks are the only thing ive ever had that’s close to being home.
In response to to April Wakefield when you wrote: “…especially people like me who come from old families who came as convicts, or settlers and intermarried with the native population.” G’day my fellow compatriot! A historical correction: the old families, convicts and settlers murdered the First Nation peoples of Tasmania, committing genocide and in the process that wiped out nearly all of the original inhabitants . You mention intermarrying: rape of women and sexual abuse and exploitation of children was common. As for the joke about Tasmanians from the rest of the country – it is more to do with inbreeding and bestiality with sheep!